I bought the MKZ hybrid in November and have been totally pleased with it.

First, you shouldn't be concerned that this is the "first year" for the car. It's really the same car as the Ford Fusion hybrid-- made in the same plant and same engine and power system. The Fusion has been very reliable so the MKZ version should be too. The differences are mostly in the features like power seats and radio and electronics. The MKZ is very quiet, so it may have more soundproofing. I think the ride & handling may be tweaked with software to be a little different too.

For me it was a no-brainer to go for the hybrid. It will save me $1000 a year in fuel. I now have to fill up only every other week instead of every week. I was willing to give up some horsepower for that.

It's one thing to have the hybrid and non-hybrid version priced the same, but it's another for them to sell at the same price. I see non-hybrids MKZ's advertized all the time at thousands off MSRP, but the not the hybrid. Ford/Lincoln knew the net selling price would be much higher for the hybrid.

Consumer perception must be in play here as well. Those who are inclined to buy a hybrid might be thinking that the hybrid is worth paying extra for... and if someone is willing to pay more, you can bet they ARE going to pay more

Well, sure... but I think it's a bit misleading for Lincoln to come out with an announcement that pricing will be the same for traditional and hybrid versions, then offer several thousands of dollars in incentive offers for the MKZ, excluding the hybrid. In my area, they've effectively knocked $3K off the non-hybrid version via incentives & rebates... for a full 4 months.

I haven't checked this post in a long time.The MKZ hybrid handles very well at speeds. It's reasonably peppy at getting you up to speed. I usually don't cruise much beyond 70 mph, but it can certainly handle 75.You will pay for it in mileage though. Your mpg will probably drop to the low 30s at that speed.

If the percentage you travel on the Interstate at a relatively constant cruise speed, <60 MPH, is substantially greater than city stop and go use then you will be very, maybe extremely, disappointed in a hybrid's FE.

With no opportunity to regeneratively recharge the hybrid battery the ICE must handle the full load.

"..thru the mountains..."

On a highly tractive roadbed your FWD or F/awd MKZ will be fine.

But...

There often be bears (snow, ice) in those woods (mountain passes).

FWD and/or F/awd vehicles are notorious for their lack of safe driving capability on a slippery curving roadbed. TRACTION control is a MUST..!!

Thanks for the info on the MKZ. I am just looking ahead for our next car. We currently have a 2008 Mercury Sable with 260 HP V-6 and 88,000 miles on it. We drive about 20,000+ miles per year and 65% highway miles at about 70+ mph most of the time in So. Illinois and trips. (We get 23-24 MPG average on most trips with 3-4 people in the car and 21 in town going to work and short trips using ethanol gas)

In a couple of years we may trade to a Lincoln MKS if they can get a few more MPG out it.

I see where BMW is copying the Ford Ecoboost on 4 cylinder engines in their 5 series, but Ford doesn't think Lincoln needs this tech except for the V6.

Also, when will the EPA test cars using Ethanol for the MPG ratings? Everybody looses about 2-3 MPG. If we are forced to use this low quality gas, then give us the real results. This ads $.60-.80 per gallon of fuel.

I agree that an I4 sounds puny, but when $5.00 gas gets here, they may want an I4 Ecoboost ready to go, like BMW is doing with the 5 series. They need to break the 30 mpg barrier with ample power. The MKS gets about the same mileage as the V6 MKZ and has way more room.

The upcoming Ford Taurus will have the I4 Ecoboost. I will have to wait and see how this performs.

Ford has had good luck with it in it's F-150 trucks.

Everybody wants all the goodies, good mileage and the looks of a BMW coming up your tail.